National Healthcare Conference Focuses on Expanding Access to Primary Care2026 highlights Physician Assistants as a key solution to family doctor shortages and clinic backlogs.
TORONTO, ON — October 21, 2026 — As health systems across Canada struggle with severe staffing shortages and millions of patients left without access to primary care, the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) will host its 27th Annual Conference (CAPA 2026: imPAct in Action) from October 22 to 24, 2026, at The Westin Toronto Airport.
The national gathering brings together Physician Assistants (PAs), supervising physicians, healthcare executives, and policy leaders to address Canada’s pressing health human resource challenges. PAs are advanced practice clinicians who examine, diagnose, treat, and prescribe alongside physicians and are increasingly being relied upon by health authorities to expand clinic capacity, reduce surgical backlogs, and stabilize emergency rooms.
"Canadians cannot afford to wait years for long-term health system reform when immediate, proven solutions already exist," said CAPA President Ryan Bennett. "PAs are on the front lines every day, extending medical capacity and keeping clinic doors open. CAPA 2026 provides a national platform to show how team-based care models offer practical relief to Canada’s healthcare crisis."
Media & Public Program Highlights:
Hands-On Clinical Workshops (Oct 22): Visual opportunities for broadcast crews featuring interactive sessions on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), gynecologic procedures, and acute diagnostic skills.
Frontline Care Delivery Sessions (Oct 23–24): Panels on emergency department disposition, thermal extremes, rural transfusions, and pediatric emergency care.
National PA Job Fair (Oct 24 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): On-site recruitment expo connecting health authorities, hospitals, and clinical groups with PAs to fill frontline vacancies.
Media Availability & On-Site Interviews:
Journalists are invited to cover proceedings and schedule interviews with CAPA Leadership, frontline PAs, and supervising physicians. For accreditation or interview requests, contact Kristy Corrente, Director of Advocacy and Communications at kcorrente@capa-acam.ca.
About CAPA: The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is the national professional association representing PAs across Canada, advocating for high standards of practice and integrating PAs into primary, specialty, and emergency care settings nationwide. Website: capa-acam.ca